Bolster Cushion Cover – Free Pattern

This bolster cushion cover makes a change from the normal square cushion covers – and it really didn’t take long to make. I’ve made it to match the quilt that I made for my future grand daughter’s cot.

Cutting requirements for the bolster cushion cover

I used one rectangle, two circles and a zip. See below for what measurements you need. Zigzag the edges of the fabric to prevent fraying.

Making the bolster cushion cover

Measure the circumference

You need to take three measurements before you can begin making this project: the circumference of the cushion pad that you are using. In my case this was 19″. I added 2″ to this measurement for the seam allowance, so my rectangle will be 21″ long.

Measure the width

The second thing to measure is the width of the cushion pad. This was 16″. For this I only need to add 1/2″ for seam allowances, so my rectangle will be 21″ by 16.1/2″. You can also judge the zip length that you need from this measurement – I am using a 14″ zip, just a bit shorter than the width of the bolster cushion cover.

Measure the height

The only other measurement that you need is the height of the cushion pad. For this cushion pad the measurement is 6″. I’ve added an inch to this to allow a fairly generous seam allowance.

Cut circles for the ends

I’ve cut two circles of 7″ diameter – that’s the length across the circle from edge to edge through the middle of the circle. I fussy cut these so that I would have a complete panda in each circle.

Add the zip

Mark the seam allowance

Fold the rectangle in half with right sides together. Mark a line 1″ from the edge of the fabric. Place your zip along this line and make a mark at each end, just inside the main zip – you know, the bit where the actual zip begins and ends as opposed to the total length of the zip.

Sew the top seam to create a tube

With your sewing machine, sew along the 1″ line from the side of the fabric to the zip marker on each side. Baste the section across the middle between the two markers. This creates a tube. Press the seam allowance flat.

Sew the zip in place

Turn the tube right side out and lay the zip on the inside along the seam line. Pin and baste. Using your zipper foot, sew each side of the zip in place. This sounds simple but is actually a bit fiddly – be very careful to catch only the layer that you’re working on and not the other side of the tube. This means that you have to scrunch the tube up a bit while you’re sewing in order to keep the bottom of the tube away from the needle.

Sew the circles in place

Add the ends to the bolster cushion cover

Remove the basting along the zip and undo the zip at least part way. This is essential because otherwise you won’t be able to turn the bolster cushion cover right side out after you’ve sewn the ends in place.

With the tube turned wrong side out, place one of the circles at one end of the tube, right sides together. Carefully sew in place. This just involves sewing slowly so that you can ease the two edges of fabric together as you go. Repeat with the other circle at the other end of the tube.

Turn the cushion cover right side out (through the zip opening!) and insert cushion pad. One bolster cushion cover made in a very short space of time.

Yes to the quilt, no to the blind. It was easier for them to get the blind made by someone who would also install it. Baby’s technically due on Wednesday, so I’ll be carrying my mobile everywhere with me.